Flibustier

/ˈflɪbəstiər/ noun

Definition

A pirate or freebooter; one who engages in piracy or plunder, especially from the 17th-18th centuries in the Caribbean.

Etymology

From French flibustier, derived from Dutch vrijbuiter (freebooter), literally 'free plunderer' from vrij (free) + buit (plunder). English borrowed the French version of this Dutch word through maritime contact.

Kelly Says

This word traveled from Dutch to French to English—each language's pirates had their own word, and the maritime trade routes that brought ships also brought words!

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